From Workers World,25 September 1997

In the most recent wave of protests against Dominican
President Leonel Fernandez's economic austerity program,
hundreds of demonstrators clashed with the police on Sept. 9
in the Herrera neighborhood on the west side of Santo
Domingo. A 21-year-old was killed as cops opened fire on the
crowds with pistols, rifles and tear gas.

The demonstrations were sparked by government-imposed
blackouts--sometimes lasting more than 10 hours per day--and
skyrocketing prices of basic goods. Barricades went up in
Herrera as demonstrators fought back against the cops with
stones.

Protests against Fernandez's economic plan have been
mounting all year. In July the country's four biggest unions
waged a 24-hour strike against rising prices.

In response to the protests, on Sept. 12 Fernandez
announced an "emergency plan" to lower prices. But
organizers pledge to step up activities in the capital if
their demands are ignored.